Wenger rarely talks about deals so specifically unless they are going to happen so the fact he was willing to be so open at his press conference gives a clear signal that the transfer is imminent.

United have offered Mkhitaryan in a straight swap for Sanchez after the Chilean told Arsenal he will not sign a new deal and wants to move to Old Trafford on a contract worth in excess of £400,000-a-week.

Gunners boss Wenger said: “I’ve worked on transfers for 30 years, so it is likely to happen. But ay any moment, at any minute, things can break down. That’s how the transfer market is.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan arrives at training today (Image: Daily Mirror)

“As long as it’s not over the line, you have to accept that it can as well not happen. These kind of things are never guaranteed.”

When asked whether Mkhitaryan would come the other way in any deal, Wenger said: “My understanding, yes. Yes, of course. If it’s a possibility, it’s because I like the player.

“We played many times against him when he was at Dortmund. He certainly appreciated the quality of our game and the way we play football. That’s why certainly he loves the club as well.

“No, the wages would not be a problem. Look, this would be an exchange of players, and I think one would replace the other. Are we still on the transfer market after that? Yes.”

Wenger also confirmed the club’s interest in Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, did not deny a move for Jonny Evans but suggested a move for Bordeaux’s Brazilian star Malcom will not happen.

When asked on Aubameyang, Wenger said: “I have nothing to add to that. These kind of things, it’s better when it’s secret and when you don’t come out on it, and when you announce it when it’s over the line.

“Apart from the deal we just spoke about, Alexis and Mkhitaryan could happen, yes, but nothing else is close.”

But interestingly, Wenger said that Aubameyang would fit in at Arsenal despite his bad boy reputation. “Yes, because character can be a very positive note and it can be a very negative note,” said Wenger.

“I believe overall you look at the achievements of a player during his career and usually, when a career has been very positive, the character has been sued in a positive way.”

On West Brom defender Evans, Wenger said: “There as well, nothing to add at the moment.”

United are reported to be offering Sanchez £500,000-a-week but Wenger refused to discuss the finances but insisted that the Chile star had remained professional throughout.

Wenger admitted Arsenal cannot compete with Manchester City and United wages. “Financially, yes. That doesn’t mean that you cannot compete on the pitch. That will not be an excuse big enough to not compete on the pitch. Of course, there’s no mystery that United and City have bigger financial resources.

Alexis Sanchez is heading to Old Trafford (Image: Daily Mirror)

“I wouldn’t like to comment on the numbers because that’s Manchester United’s problem. If they want to come out with the numbers they’ve offered to Sanchez… I respect Manchester United because they generate the money they pay to the players from their own resources. You have to respect that.

“After that, it’s down to them to know how much they want to give to the player. Overall, Manchester United is a club that is very well managed financially and on the pitch as well. That’s why I don’t have any problems with the money they pay.

“Modern football has created a kind of game where the best players in the game are grouped to a various small number of clubs. That makes football less unpredictable and much more predictable. I would say the gap in financial resources between the biggest clubs and the smaller clubs has increased tremendously in the last five years.

“They are professional players. I have no problem with Alexis Sanchez. His attitude has been outstanding with us. He was in training yesterday, fully committed and prepared 100 per cent.

“One thing you cannot question about Alexis Sanchez is his professionalism and his commitment. After that, he’s 29 years old and the next contract will of course be very important for him.”

Wenger said he was hopeful Jack Wilshere will sign a new deal after Arsenal offered him a contract while they also had better news with Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Mesut Ozil set to return against Crystal Palace on Saturday.